IT'S not often a Welshman offers advice to England coach Andy Robinson. But that's what Sale's Kingsley Jones has been doing.

He believes his namesake, Chris Jones, should be gracing England's back row, even though the Stockport youngster is plying his trade in Sharks second row.

That is partly due to the competitive nature of the back row, and partly to his outstanding ability at the lineout, which makes him so effective in the second row as well.

Chris was exceptional in France on Friday as he helped Sharks to a vital Heineken Cup win over Castres Olympique - and showed that he is back to his best after a quiet year.

He had burst on to the international scene two years ago by doing things second rows are not expected to do. Not only did he win lineout balls with ease, but demonstrated an ability to outpace international backs in long-range gallops to the line.

Performed

The former Stockport schoolboy, who played soccer at Edgeley Park as a teenager, performed equally well in the back row.

It was no surprise when he scored a try on his international debut in Italy and he briefly settled into the England team.

Last season saw his star on the wane, but then it was always going to be difficult following up what he had started.

"I had a quiet time and only won one cap last season," he said. "It was disappointing but that gave me the chance to refocus and I don't feel I am quite as much of a hit and miss player any more.

"Our director of rugby, Philippe Saint Andre, told me when he arrived that I had some talent, but needed to show that 85 per cent of the time and upwards to be able to perform at the top of the game. I think I have achieved that and got continuity into my game through concentrating more.

"I'm glad to get some game time again because, although Joe Worsley's injury helped me into the England squad, I didn't get my chance during the internationals.

"But it was good to be back with England. It was always going to take time to rebuild from the side that won the World Cup, but I feel we are starting to do that."

Chris put some of the performance in Castres down to the players having not been together for some time.

Sloppy

"When you have been away with an international side, as so many of the Sharks had, you have to get used to different calls and, for most of the first half and part of the second period, we were sloppy.

"We just needed to win that game. We did and we are happy although it was such a quick game that everyone was shattered after half-an-hour."

Chris was one of several still recovering from the bout of flu sweeping through the camp.

Kingsley Jones praised his dominance of the lineout, his incredible work-rate and some of the big hits that he put in.

Chris has worked hard on his strength and power in the gym.

"You learn from the players you line up with and I have picked up things from Jason White and Sebastien Chabal, who are both very physical, especially in the contact area."

Looking ahead to this Friday's re-match with Castres at Edgeley Park, he said: "The squad is aware of the pitfalls. Two bad games in Europe and it can be all over while, as it is so tight at the top in the Premiership, you can find yourself tumbling down the table."